The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone warning for Maharashtra, forecasting the impact of Cyclone Shakhti between October 3 and 7. The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to several coastal and interior districts of the state.
According to IMD, Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg have been placed on alert for rough weather conditions. Wind speeds ranging from 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are likely to prevail along the north Maharashtra coast from October 3 to 5. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea due to very rough sea conditions expected during this period.
Heavy Rainfall Predicted in Vidarbha and Marathwada
Meteorologists have also warned of heavy to very heavy rain in interior parts of Maharashtra, particularly East Vidarbha and sections of Marathwada. The IMD noted that intense cloud formation and high moisture infiltration in the atmosphere could trigger flooding in low-lying areas of North Konkan.
Maharashtra Government on Alert
In response to the forecast, the Maharashtra government has directed district administrations to step up preparedness. Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Ratnagiri have been placed under a ‘yellow alert’. Authorities have been asked to activate disaster management units, plan evacuations in vulnerable coastal zones, issue public advisories, and discourage sea travel until conditions improve.
First Cyclone of Post-Monsoon Season
Officials told PTI that Cyclone Shakhti will be the first cyclonic storm of the post-monsoon season in the Arabian Sea, with wind speeds expected to reach 100 kmph and gusts beyond that mark.
The warning comes less than a week after Maharashtra witnessed intense rainfall, prompting red alerts in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad.
IMD’s October Outlook
Earlier, during a virtual briefing, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of Meteorology at IMD, said that Maharashtra is likely to receive above-normal rainfall in October. The department’s monthly forecast also included predictions for temperature patterns across different regions of the country.
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